Page 22 of The Safest Place She Knows

He leaned inand kissed her slowly. Her breath hitched as his lips moved againsthers, and his tongue slid in to caress and tease her own. Shesighed and slid a hand around his neck as he made out with her.

Her fingerswere locked behind his head when he lifted it, and he chuckled. “Ithink they just got an eyeful.”

She slowlyleaned to one side, and there were four pairs of eyes watching themfrom the doorway.

Brexelchuckled. “So, do you want to adopt the boys?”

Denel smiled.“Please, Mom?”

She blinked. “Ithought I misheard you before.”

He smiled.“Nope. Bennet and I decided long ago that you had everything wewant in a mom.”

“Um, that isvery flattering, but it doesn’t work in this kind ofsituation.”

Brexelshrugged. “Sure, it does. I just need to propose, and you need toagree, and then we get married, and from there, you adopt theterrors.”

“Oh.”

Bennet clearedhis throat. “Unless you don’t want to.”

“Of course Ido. Don’t be silly, but it’s a lot.” She blinked. “Oh, shoot. Ishould talk to Tonlya.”

Oren calmlyfound and brought her her phone. “We will help her. Make thecall.”

With everyonewatching her, she picked up her phone, checked her contacts, andsaw that Tonlya was online. She made the call.

They pulled upoutside of the tiny house that had an overgrown yard and a cheerfulblue door. Iris was sad. Tonlya normally kept an immaculatehouse.

Iris walked tothe door with the boys behind her. Brexel was after them, and theother two were coming from Oren’s car.

She knocked onthe door, and the young Tamara opened the door with a smile. “Oh,you must be the nanny.”

Iris laughed.“I was. Is your sister in?”

“Yeah, she’s inher room.”

A voice fromthe corner whispered, “No, she isn’t. Hey, Iris.”

“Tonlya. Youlook rough.”

The wraithwalked forward, skin grey, eyes sunken, and one arm in a sling. Arobe was pulled over her shoulders, but it was obvious that shewasn’t wearing anything under the sweatshirt.

“It’s been adifficult few months. Please, come in. You and your alphaassortment. I am sorry, but I don’t have many places to sit.”

Iris noticedthat Tamara wasn’t helping her sister. Bennet stepped forward.“Ma’am. Can I help you to sit?”

“Thanks. Thatis very kind of you.”

“You are movinglike you are a hundred and not twenty-seven. What happened?”

“Oh, you know.Too long on suppressors. Brittle bones, no immune system, and fartoo sensitive.” She looked to Ymer. “Sorry that I couldn’t managethe commission, but I had to sell all my equipment.”

Tamara snorted.“And the snakes and the lawnmower.”

Tonlya closedher eyes. “Sorry. I miss my scaley buddies.”

Oren movedcautiously toward her and touched her hand. “Wait. The Omega Centreis after you?”

---